IMPORTANT:
Preparation:
The first step is to make sure that you have submitted the Baptism registration form. The link for this form is: https://www.stlukesparish.org/child-baptism-registration-form. Once we have received the registration form, we will contact you to schedule the clergy session and baptism preparation class.
To prepare for baptism, parents are asked to meet with the Pastor for a clergy session. This meeting is an opportunity for him to get to know your family and make sure that we can proceed with the baptism. Once your family has met with the Pastor, you will be scheduled to attend a Baptism preparation class. You can schedule this clergy session by calling our parish office at 904-282-0439.
Baptism Class:
The Baptism preparation class is required if this is your first child baptized in our parish or if your last class attended was longer than 2 years ago.
Godparents are encouraged to attend the class. They may attend at St. Luke or can attend a Baptism preparation class at their parish of registration.
The class schedule can vary each month so please contact the Baptism Coordinator at 904-282-0439 for the next available class. The class normally runs from 60 to 90 minutes and is held in the evening to accommodate work schedules. It is preferred that both parents attend this class together. Due to limited class space, it is ideal for parents to attend the class without additional family members.
Birth Certificate:
A copy of a state issued birth certificate (issued through a county) for children must be in the parish office prior to scheduling the baptism. It is important that the parish be able to properly identify and verify the child’s birth information (i.e. parent’s names, legal name of child, etc.) when preparing the Baptism Certificate.
Adults and children who have reached the age of reason (age seven), who are unbaptized or baptized in another Christian faith tradition and seek to embrace the Catholic faith, participate in an initiation process called the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults). Both adults and children are fully initiated into the Catholic Church during this process, celebrating Baptism, if needed, Confirmation, and First Eucharist.
For more information visit the Becoming Catholic page.
For more information on Baptisms from the USCCB click HERE.